Horizon

Horizon Program

WHAT IS GIFTED EDUCATION?

In Georgia, a gifted education student is defined as one who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative ability(ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels corresponding with his or her ability(ies).

HOW ARE GIFTED STUDENTS SERVED AT RINGGOLD PRIMARY?

At Ringgold Primary School, our gifted (Horizon) students are served in multiple ways. In our kindergarten, first, and some second-grade classes, Horizon students receive one segment (45 minutes) per day of resource instruction by Courtney Couey. In these resource classes, students are taught by using interdisciplinary enrichment activities and units. Primary-level Horizon students are taught conceptually, in order to give a more rounded and deeper understanding of topics covered. Student interest drives the curriculum and has included topics such as inside earth, landforms, Hawaii, volcanoes, earthquakes, rock and minerals, the human body, Christopher Columbus, art and famous artists, electricity, etc. In these classes, students do not receive a grade. Instead, they are learning just for the enrichment and joy of learning.

Our resource classes are not the only place where Horizon students are served. RPS has a certified second-grade gifted classroom where Horizon students receive gifted instruction from their homeroom teacher. This class follows the Advanced Content model and is taught by Jamie Cole. Students in this class are taught advanced content language arts and mathematics. Science and social studies are incorporated through interdisciplinary studies such as: dissection of owls/owl pellets, the incubation of hen eggs, the study of rocks and minerals and extended learning.

HOW DO STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR GIFTED SERVICES?

Qualifying for the Horizon program is not an easy task. Standards for qualification are set according to Guidelines set by the State Board of Education. Students are tested in four different areas: Motivation, Creativity, Mental Ability, and Cognitive Ability. A student must meet the requirements in three out of four areas to qualify. Testing happens in the fall and spring. Both teachers and parents can request testing. The testing is rigorous, so recommendations should not be made lightly.